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WASHINGTON'S "LESSER KNOWN"
TOP DESTINATIONS

Hiram M. Chittenden Government Locks

The ship canal links the Puget Sound with Lake Washington and Lake Union, and its dual-locks protect against salt water intrusion and maintain the proper levels in the inland waters around Seattle. Visitors can watch from footbridges as vessels of all sizes navigate through the passageway. There is also a fish ladder with an underwater observatory where you can get a great view of the annual salmon runs in the fall. Exhibits at the Visitor's Center explain in detail about the construction and operation of the project, which was completed in 1916 by the Army Corps of Engineers. The surrounding grounds are actually the Carl English, Jr. Botanical Gardens, and are well worth exploring (read more about them under Seattle in our Parks, Gardens, Zoos & Nature Areas).